The Heart of the Kingdom: Living Love and Justice 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLV) “People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable (He knew his audience.) Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” I am so spurichal. Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’” POINT 1: GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE , BUT THE . The Pharisee came to the temple ready to . The tax collector came to . You can’t be full of grace if you’re full of yourself. God isn’t impressed by what we DO; He’s moved by who we are BECOMING. God can’t bless who you pretend to be. Ultimately, pride , but humility . #heartposture But it is when we stop , God starts . POINT 2: RELIGION COMPARES — REPENTANCE CONFESSES “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed…” – Luke 18:13 The Pharisee looked around the room while the Tax Collector was busy looking within. When we compare, we either think more or less of people. Neither pleases the Lord. God doesn’t grade on a curve — He meets those who humble themselves. POINT 3: WHEN YOU LOWER YOURSELF, GOD LIFTS YOU UP Matthew 23:12 “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be a light.” – Luke 18:14 You want breakthrough in your life? It doesn’t start with . It starts with . “Humility is not thinking less of yourself — it’s thinking of yourself less” (C.S. Lewis). Grace flows where pride gets out of the way. You don’t have to have all the answers , you just need to show up. You don’t have to be perfect to be a light, you just have to be willing.